Some options to consider are:
Behavior Modification
Supplements
Wraps
Human and Prescription Medications
In describing redirection and distraction in the last post, I mentioned providing treats may be considered Behavior Modification. I realized this could be confusing in at least two ways. First, many behavior modification techniques begin with the recreation of a stimulus, instead of treatment occurring during the actual experience, in order to stop and intervene at key moments. That is not what I was describing in the last post, and why I stated more details would follow.
Second, giving high-value treats when your dog is showing signs of stress seems a lot like rewarding behavior you don't want. The intention behind "treating" your dog at the early sign of storm activity is to redirect and/or distract your dog's attention from the smells, sensations and sounds of a storm to You, your calm energy, and the goodness of highly-valued treats so that a positive association can be created between storms and your dog. Make sense?
Onto more options!
1. Behavior Modification - Providing behavior modification treatment in your home requires some serious effort by the entire family, and it is effective if you can reproduce an authentic enough storm experience that elicits a fear response in your dog. The difficulty with authenticity is the cause for many treatment failures. Even in specially designed sound labs, it is difficult to recreate a realistic thunderstorm. Yes, there are nature CDs that have the sounds of rain and thunder and lightning, and if you notice that your dog shows some stress with these, you can work to desensitize her. But, storms have several elements beyond sound. There is barometric pressure change that humans and many animals feel in their heads due to sinus pressure. This can create a "foggy-headed" feeling as well as balance challenges. There are also scent and electrical sensations in the air, as well as wind, vibration and the visual cues of heat or sky-to-ground lightning strikes. These are all challenging to recreate, and why most families find little or sadly, no, success from behavior modification. But you have more options!
2. Supplements
Melatonin - You should consult with your vet regarding usage and dosage, but melatonin can act as a natural sedative to calm anxious dogs. It is contraindicated for dogs that are pregnant or nursing. Melatonin can be helpful for dogs who may experience storm anxiety when you are not at home because it can remain effective for several hours.
Bach Flower Essences - Dr. Edward Bach was a surgeon, bacteriologist, researcher, casualty medical officer, and author in England in the early 1900's.
He developed herbal treatments for physical and emotional ailments by unblocking his patients' natural healing potential. His combination remedy called "Rescue Remedy" is used worldwide by humans for traumatic situations and common life stressors like job interviews, academic exams, and toddler temper tantrums. They are also labeled as "100% safe for animals," and though many believe these remedies are mostly alcohol, Rescue Remedy is alcohol free. There are several other remedies available for specific animal behaviors, but it seems Rescue Remedy is the most suggested and available.
3. Wraps - Neurobiologists and many animal behaviorists believe the application of constant, neutral pressure, like from a wrap, can quiet stimuli and cause nerve receptors to adapt and modify their response thresholds.
The Anxiety Wrap is a stretchy, vest-type wrap that hugs your dog's torso like a body stocking (yes, it can make your dog hot so using a fan can help keep your dog cool). The Anxiety Wrap's inventors emphasize that your dog should be positively introduced to it before anxiety causing situations are present because you don't want your dog to associate the Wrap with something distressful.
4. Human and Prescription Medications - You MUST see your veterinarian for dosage and drug and supplement interactions.
There are several medications used for storm anxiety. Valium, Xanax, Tranxene-SD, amitriptyline, clomipramine, Prozac, Zoloft, acepromazine, buspirone.
There can be serious side-effects like aggression, separation anxiety and opposite reaction or "paradoxical excitability."
Keep in mind that most drugs do not help a dog recover from the fear, he's just too drugged to pace, run or chew up drywall, but animal behaviorist Lee Livingood says some dogs "...respond to nothing else, and continually subjecting an animal to panic is wrong."
As Dr. Phil would say, "Don't substitute my judgment for your own!" I've learned what works for my family over three decades of building relationships with my dogs. I love Spring like nearly everyone else, but I tend to think of how dirty my dogs get from the rainy, muddy months of Spring Showers. I know many of you are thinking about the months of storms. I hope you feel you have some strategies and I wish your family peace and comfort during the Stormy Season.
Sources:
Yankee Golden Retriever Rescue
Susan Sharpe, owner of Animals Plus, LLC, and developer of the Anxiety Wrap
Whole Dog Journal, May 2000
www.melatoninfaq.com
www.bachflower.com/Pets.htm
www.anxietywrap.com
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